Saint John of Nepomuk c. 1750

Peter Hencke carved this ivory sculpture of Saint John of Nepomuk in the 18th century. He stands, vested as a canon, holding a book, and looking down at a child. Consider the tongue, an attribute of the saint referring to his martyrdom for refusing to reveal the Queen of Bohemia's confessions. This symbol, though unique to John of Nepomuk, echoes the broader theme of silence and secrets found across cultures. We may recall Harpocrates, the Greek god of silence, often depicted with a finger to his lips, a gesture that transcends cultures, appearing in various forms from ancient Egyptian art to modern-day symbols. The presence of the child might represent innocence or the future generations that John of Nepomuk protects. The emotional power of such imagery lies in its appeal to our primal instincts of protection and guidance, engaging us on a subconscious level. This symbol follows a cyclical progression; surfacing, evolving, and gaining renewed significance throughout time.